In the medieval England, lovers gave gifts to each other secretly on Valentine’s Day, and young single boys chose «Valentines» among the girls by lot, then they wrote poems and songs for them all the year, admiring them like knights. In Sussek, the day of lovers is also known as the day of bird weddings. Before we jump into how the Brits celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s give a quick rundown of the history of Valentine’s Day in the UK. Valentine’s Day History in the UK Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday dates back quite a long ways to various saints, but the first association with Valentine’s Day and romantic love was by Geoffrey The Historical Origins of Valentine's Day in the UK. Valentine's Day, now synonymous with love and affection, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The traditions and customs associated with this day have evolved over the years, influenced by a combination of pagan rituals and Christian beliefs. If you’re planning to buy a Valentine’s Day present, the most popular suggestions include perfume, flowers, chocolate or paying for an experience day. Despite this, 50% of the UK rarely receive Valentine’s gifts, so if you’re on the fence this year; do something romantic! Valentine’s Day is truly a day everyone can get involved in. 4. York was voted the most romantic city in the UK in a 2022 survey, with its cobblestone streets and historic charm setting the perfect mood for Valentine’s Day. Why Valentine’s Day Endures in Britain. Valentine’s Day remains popular in Britain because it celebrates timeless emotions—love, connection, and appreciation. Soon, people began penning and exchanging love letters to celebrate Valentine's Day. The mid-19th century marked the beginning of many of the commercialised Valentine's Day traditions we know today. Victorian men wooed women with flowers, Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates , and the New England Confectionery When people were converted to Christianity the pagan and Christian festivals were merged; the festival of Lupercalia was put back a day and celebrated on St. Valentine's day, February 14. The old pagan customs still continued and in Britain up to the beginning of the present century it was customary for local lads and lasses to draw lots for Valentine's Day always falls on February 14, meaning that the day of the week varies year on year. In 2025, Valentine's Day will fall on a Friday for the first time since 2020. Where did it come The day was officially named as St Valentine’s Day in 496 AD by Pope Gelasius, back then though, it was a Christian feast day rather than a day about romantic love. That didn’t start until the 1300s and was inspired by the writer, Geoffrey Chaucer, however, records show that the oldest surviving Valentine’s card was sent by Charles, the Because love is in the air! This topic is all about Valentine's Day on 14 February, a traditional celebration of romantic love. In this topic you can: write about Valentine's Day traditions in your country and tell us if you celebrate; watch a video and listen to some members of the LearnEnglish team talking about Valentine's Day Learn about how countries across the globe celebrate Valentine's Day including February 14 traditions from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, England and more. In this article, we take a look at the various historical and cultural influences that have shaped Valentine’s Day. From the mysterious figure of Saint Valentine and the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia to the medieval traditions of courtly love and the commercialization of the holiday in the modern era, we explore how February 14th became the day to celebrate love. The Welsh get a jump on the rest of the world for Valentine's Day, instead celebrating St. Dwynwen's Day on January 25. He's the patron saint of lovers, and men traditionally give their significant others hand-carved wooden spoons, which hearken back to the time when love-sick Welsh sailors carved designs into their spoons to give to their lovers upon returning home. Does France celebrate Valentine's Day? Around the world, people look forward to the 14th of February, a day exclusively devoted to love. You get to give and receive gifts and welcome signs of affection from people you love. Most people think that because France is one of the most romantic countries in the world, Valentine’s Day is a big deal Valentine's Day (February 14) In the UK, couples often celebrate Valentine's Day by giving gifts to one another and writing verses of love to be published in newspapers or magazines. Many couples also spend the evening celebrating with a special meal. Occasionally, children send valentines to one another to celebrate friendship. In general, Valentine’s Day (or a similar holiday) is celebrated almost all around the world. There are just 8 places that refrain from honoring this holiday. What countries don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day? Uzbekistan – interestingly enough, Valentine’s Day was celebrated in Uzbekistan until 2021, when it was banned with an official Valentine’s Day is a major day for the retail industry in the UK, with around £1.3 billion being spent on cards, gifts, and romantic gestures. But beyond the economic impact, have you ever wondered how the UK actually celebrates this day of love? From traditional gifts to modern trends, the ways in which Valentine's Day [] Valentine's Day has quite the history. Learn about why we celebrate Valentine's Day, the meaning of the holiday, when Valentine's Day is this year, why Valentine's Day is on February 14, and more. Valentine's Day is celebrated in the memory of Saint Valentine, the Christian martyr who gave his life in the honor of love. King Claudius decapitated Saint Valentine in 269 A.D. for performing illegal marriages of Roman soldiers, who were apparently barred from marrying. Valentine’s Day Greetings and Gifts. In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |